HealthWise at 5 From 7.9

Nursing Shifts

Researchers say the risk of medical mistakes by nurses in U.S. hospitals is on the rise because of the long shifts they're required to put in. The study published in the Journal of Health Affairs finds the risk of mistakes increases when nurses work more than a 40 hour work week and it triples when a single shift stretches past twelve and a half hours. 60% of the mistakes involved giving patients medications late or incorrectly. This study was conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.

Campylobacter

It's the number one food borne illness. But whoever talks about Campylobacter? The Centers for Disease Control says up to 80% of all chicken carries Campylobacter.

"In 24 hours, she had 30 dirty diapers, which is a lot for such a little baby. I was really scared. I didn't know what was going to happen to her, and dehydration was my number one fear," says Joanna McDonnell, Alexander's mother.

Doctors found Alexandra had Camplylobacteriosis, a food borne illness that can be serious in young children, the elderly or people with weakened immune systems. The problem with this one is it can be really hard to pinpoint the cause because symptoms may take up to 10 days to show up.

So, this is another good reason to cook chicken or pork thoroughly. In other words, until there's no pink in it, and be sure to wash your hands after handling it raw. Also be sure to use separate utensils and cutting boards to avoid cross contamination because you may not even suspect a meal contaminated with Campylobacter could bring on such a violent reaction, as much as 10 days later.